Cambridge Green candidate welcomes election challenge

The Cambridge Green Party MP candidate has welcomed the opportunity to challenge ‘hard’ Brexit at a general election.

Stuart Tuckwood said: “I very much welcome the opportunity to challenge the current direction of travel at Westminster.

“Cambridge is certain to suffer badly from the Government’s extreme plans for Brexit. A big majority here wanted us to remain and across the country nobody voted for the plans that have since been put forward.

“Now is our opportunity to send a powerful message from Cambridge, we will be demanding both Parliament and the people get a final say over the terms of the deal taking us out of the European Union and I’m sure that message will find huge support in the city here.”

Cambridge Green Party MP candidate, Stuart Tuckwood

16:59Tom Pilgrim

May 4 elections unaffected by a general election

A Cambridgeshire County Council spokesperson told the News:

“We’ve seen the announcements today that the PM has called for a snap General Election in June.

“The May 4 County Council elections will not be affected. If/when a General Election is confirmed by Parliament, we will help share information for our residents on registering, postal and where to vote.”

16:47Tom Pilgrim

Conservative election win could boost Cambridge property market

“General elections and political uncertainty in general often puts a dampener on the property market, however, as the market continues to be driven by high demand and low levels of supply, it is unlikely that we will see any real effect on activity in the run up to June 8.

“Any kind of instability can easily frighten investors or property buyers, however we would expect that the impact of this snap election may simply elongate people’s decision-making process on whether to move or invest in property.

“Thankfully, the run up to the election is short and should the polls be correct and the Conservatives win with a decent majority, we would expect a boost in the market as many property investors will welcome another five years of Conservative government.”

16:37Tom Pilgrim

Parliament to be dissolved on 2 or 3 May

The Leader of the House of Commons, David Lidington, has told MPs that Parliament could be dissolved on either May 2 or 3 ahead of a general election

16:32Tom Pilgrim

434 MPs need to back election motion

@grumpyboy@CommonsLeader Hi, 434 MPs must vote in favour of a motion to hold an early general election for the election to take place. The House of Lords do not vote

South East Cambs MP wants best deal for UK in EU neogtiations

“I am honoured to be your MP and I want to have the opportunity to continue to fight for you and our area. On 8 June there is a choice about who leads our country.

“I want a strong Prime Minister who will get the best deal for us in the upcoming negotiations.”

Lucy Frazer MP

14:36KEY EVENT

I'm ready for the fray, says Cambridge MP

Labour’s Daniel Zeichner tells the News: “Today the Prime Minister has announced her decision to call an early General Election after telling us for months that she wouldn’t do so. This is proof that she cannot be trusted to keep her word, especially as we embark on the toughest set of negotiations in a generation. She has once again put the interests of the Conservative Party over those of the country.

Daniel Zeichner

“ I relish the opportunity to fight an election to rid us of this awful Tory Government. Only Labour will stand up for working people and protect the most vulnerable in our society.

“This is our opportunity to chart a different course for our country and I will be fighting tooth and nail to ensure we have a Labour Government in June.”

14:27Tom Pilgrim

2017 general election battle in Cambridge could go down to the wire

A race to win the Cambridge seat at a new general election could be a close run thing again this year.

MPs to be told more this afternoon

Newmarket MP looking forward to election

Matthew Hancock, MP for West Suffolk, will be seeking re-election at a June vote.

He said: “I look forward to the general election on 8 June. Britain needs strong leadership, and this election will give people the chance to vote for that leadership, to strengthen our negotiating hand in Europe, and give the certainty the country needs. Only a vote for the Conservatives can provide this leadership.

“Locally I am proud to stand on my record of more jobs, more investment, and as a strong voice for local people. It is an honour to represent West Suffolk in Parliament, and I hope I can persuade people to vote Conservative so I can continue doing this job which I love, and represent the people of West Suffolk.”

Matthew Hancock MP (Image: David Johnson)

12:32Tom Pilgrim

It's all about Brexit

Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister is all about her desire to deliver on the Government’s Brexit ambitions. But how did Cambridge residents vote in the referendum?

73.8% of Cambridge residents voted to remain in the EU referendum in June last year, on a 72.2% turnout.

In South Cambridgeshire, 60.2% backed remain on a 81.2% turnout.

12:20KEY EVENT

How did South Cambridgeshire vote at the last election?

Heidi Allen was elected as MP for South Cambridgeshire in May 2015 with a majority of 20,594, on a 73% turnout.

South Cambridgeshire constituency election results in May 2015 (Image: South Cambridgeshire District Council)

12:15Tom Pilgrim

Election for 'certainty and stability'

The Prime Minister said that division in Westminster would put the Government’s ability to make Brexit a success at risk.

She argued that an election was needed now “to guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead.”

12:10Tom Pilgrim

Why has the Prime Minister called an election?

In her statement outside No. 10 this morning the Prime Minister blamed opposition parties and the Lords for frustrating the Government’s Brexit plans.

She said:

“The country is coming together, but Westminster is not.

“In recent weeks Labour has threatened to vote against the deal we reach with the European Union.

“The Liberal Democrats have said they want to grind the business of government to a standsill.

“The Scottish National Party say they will vote against the legislation that formally repeals Britain’s membership of the European Union.

“And unelected members of the House of Lords have vowed to fight us every step of the way.

“Our opponents believe that because the Government’s majority is so small, our resolve will weaken and that they can force us to change course.

“They are wrong.”

12:06KEY EVENT

Former Cambridge MP excited by election challenge

Excited at the chance of a General Election. So much more to do for Cambridge, and a real chance to change the future of the country! #fb